Saturday, May 17, 2008

The Camp for Climate Action will be a convergence of people from all over Australia who are determined to see real action on climate change. Despite being in a good position to switch to renewables, Australia is failing to move away from coal. Coal exports are our biggest contribution to climate change, and Newcastle, already the world's biggest coal port, is set for a massive expansion. The camp will be sending the message that we need a just transition from coal to clean energy – not an expansion of the coal industry.

The five day camp will be a peaceful, participatory and sustainable event, where people are invited to share, learn, plan and take action. As one of seven simultaneous climate camps happening in Europe and North America, it will be an inspiring gathering of people of all ages and from all walks of life coming together to take direct action for a living future.

What: five days of popular education, skillsharing and direct actionWhere: NewcastleWhen: July 10th –15th 2008Who: You, your friends and familyFor more info:www.climatecamp.org.au

Organising Meeting

When: Monday May 19th at 5.30pm

Where: Melbourne University Student Union

Why: To facilitate the organization of the Camp for Climate Action, with a focus on Victorian logistics.

The camp for climate action will be five days of inspiring workshops & direct action aimed at shutting down the world's largest coal port in Newcastle, just north of Sydney. If you're concerned about climate change, and want real action instead of more hot air, then we encourage you to come, bring your friends and family and get involved. Whether you're old or young, a seasoned protestor or if you've never been to a protest in your life, if you share our passion for climate action, then climate camp and this (free) workshop, is for you!

What to expect at the Camp for Climate ActionHow to partake in peaceful direct action safely and with the support of those around youHow to define clear objectives for an action and to ensure that actions meet your objectives

In the afternoon …

Role play of peaceful direct action scenario'sLegal briefings on NSW laws and impacts of getting arrested (remember there are many non-arrestable ways to be part of peaceful direct action)Media and interview skillsPolice liaison skills and conflict de-escalation skillsForming action groups and discussing potential actions before heading up to Climate CampCreating peaceful direct actions here in Victoria in the lead up

You are encouraged to take part in the camp as part of an organised community, for increased autonomy and safety for all of us and efficiency for the organisers. To find out more about how the camp is organised before you register, see the Neighbourhoods and Action Teams pages and contact us if you need to.

Suggested DonationNOTE: Donation is not required for participation or registration. The most important donation you can make to Climate Camp is your time and involvement. However, Climate Camp will cost a lot to organise and put-on. While we've done our best to keep our budget low, many costs are unavoidable. If all of us who're coming* contribute a little toward the cost of the infrastructure we'll be using for the week, it will add up to a sizable contribution towards our collective expenses. The money will cover things we'll all need and use at the camp like composting toilets, kitchens, marquees and water tanks. * $20 (underpaid) * $40 (waged) * $50+ (if you can afford it) *Alternatively you could ask some-one who isn't able to make it to donate their dollars instead of their time.

Transport Registration

The Victorian Camp for Climate Action collective have organised two 12 seater buses to assist people to attend the Camp for Climate Action. These buses will be leaving the first weekend of July to arrive in Newcastle in time for the Students of Sustainability conference (see www.studentsofsustainability.org) A seat will cost $100 return (half the price of the train) and can be reserved by emailing viclimateaction@gmail.com

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CLIMATE EMERGENCY RALLY 2008

On July 5 2008, over 4000 people rallied in Melbourne to protest government inaction in the face of climate emergency. We spelt out the words CLIMATE EMERGENCY!140 metres long to highlight the urgency and spread the word.Look at a collection of pictures of the day (including the aerial shots).The rally demands were:BRUMBY & RUDD, GET SERIOUS!RENEWABLE ENERGY not coal powerPUBLIC TRANSPORT not new freewaysNO DESALINATION PLANTNO BAY DREDGING